1. HOME IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CHEAP! Home renovations and improvements on a budget

2. MOVE INTO AN OLDER ‘NEW’ HOME …. Buying a house is an exciting new adventure, with visions of home improvements and updates on the horizon… However, what to do if you are on a budget or the money all went to the purchase of the home?

3. HOW IT BEGAN… With the purchase of an older home, the home needed LOTS of work: A new roof A new heating system Electrical upgrade New siding New windows A family room/garage addition Obviously, these improvements/ renovations took LOTS of money!

4. LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY!

5. IMPROVEMENTS THAT WERE MUCH NEEDED … BUT.. INSIDE ….IT WAS STILL OUT-DATED!

6. A DÉCOR I WAS ANXIOUS TO CHANGE BUT … ALAS, NO CHANGE TO MAKE THE CHANGES!

7. SO WHAT TO DO? Get creative! 1.Devour home improvement books from the local library, 2.Peruse glossy home decorating magazines 3.Surf the web for ideas!

8. Where there is a will, there definitely is a way! Paint is relatively inexpensive and can change the look of a room instantly! Learn to use not only a hammer, but basic power tools. Repurpose existing trim and purchase inexpensive trim at the home improvement store to be painted and installed. Search the web for other ways to save money … turning junk into treasure!

9. THE MASTER BATH With the purchase of a discontinued tile at the local home improvement store and following step-by-step instructions to install ceramic tile … you can do the work yourself … Well, what do you think?

10. MY KITCHEN COUNTERS A very out-dated country blue We plan to install granite, but in the meantime….

11. Wash countertops thoroughly with household cleaner and rinse. Sand the countertops – to create a ‘grip’ for the paint to adhere to. Using a roller, apply base coat. Using a sea sponge, dab in a random pattern a variety of acrylic paint colors on the base, allowing each color to dry in between. Apply 3 or 4 coats of polycrylic sealant – allowing each coat to dry, then sanding lightly before applying the next coat. Allow countertops to ‘cure’ for a week before using. They can be painted!?!

12. SO, UNTIL THE GRANITE GETS INSTALLED… These are the countertops today!

13. PLAIN BORING GARAGE DOORS From this …

14. TO THIS …. Using nothing more than: Painters Tape Black Glossy Spray Paint Easily installed Carriage Hardware

15. WITH A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE AND DETERMINATION… Home improvements can be made … on the CHEAP!